Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum guard dies 34 years after art heist
Richard Abath, who was working at the Boston museum when $500 million worth of artwork was stolen, has died at the age of 57
•
A man who was working as a security guard at the time of a notorious Boston art heist more than three decades ago has died.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum said Tuesday that Richard Abath has died. His attorney told the Boston Globe that he died at his Vermont home at the age of 57 "after a long illness."
"We are very sorry to learn of Richard Abath's passing," museum spokesperson Donna Hardwick said in a statement. "The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum would like to extend our condolences to all his family and friends."
The Globe reported that Abath opened the museum's door to the thieves and, while he always denied playing any role in the heist, faced continued scrutiny as authorities continued to investigate over the years.
"With regards to the theft at the Gardner, this is still an active and ongoing investigation and we have no further comment," Hardwick said.